How to Make Your Dog Relax Completely

Co-authored by Toni Woods

Last Updated: November 20, 2020 References

Every dog has a different personality and some have a hard time relaxing. Some dogs can't relax because they are anxious or fearful. Others can't relax because they are full of energy. In either case, relaxation is a skill you can teach your dog. Taking the time to teach your dog to relax also has the additional benefit of giving you quality time with your dog, which is one of life's great pleasures.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Providing For Your Dog's Basic Needs

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Provide a stable, calm environment for the dog. Making your dog relaxed will only happen if all of its basic needs are met and the dog feels safe enough to let down its guard. If your house in chaotic with a cacophony of noise from a too-loud stereo, screaming children, or indeed arguing adults, the dog will pick up on the vibe and find it difficult to relax. Make the home a peaceful place, without raised voices.
- Also, make sure the dog has a place to withdraw from the activity of the home, such as its crate. It needs a safe place to go if it all gets to be too much. Not having a hiding place or den is very stressful for a dog, as its natural instincts are to hide if it feels threatened.
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Be sure to give your dog ample exercise.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Toni Woods
Professional Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.} For example, breeds such as the Jack Russell or the Border collie that have a heritage as working dogs, need plenty of exercise. If they are crated for many hours at a time, or left home alone all day, then they are likely to be hyper by the time you come home.
- Expect to take the dog for long walks to burn off energy, before the dog's mind turns to relaxation. After all, if the dog had nothing to do all day but sleep, rest is the last thing on its mind.^{[2]
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Give the dog plenty of mental stimulation. Again, a tired mind is one that is ready to relax and a bored mind is more easily distracted.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Toni Woods
Professional Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 11 November 2020.} Stimulate your dog's mind by holding regular impromptu training sessions, of about 5 - 10 minutes duration, 2 - 4 times a day. If the dog can concentrate for longer, then great, do that.^{[4]
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- Also, give the dog puzzle feeders, or put its dry kibble inside a closed cardboard box, so it has to work out ways to get the food and will be stimulated at the same time.
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Make sure your dog has an appropriate diet. Feed a good quality food (meat listed first on the label) that is right for your dog's life stage. If your dog is over energetic, check with your vet and consider switching to a lower protein food.
- You may want to consider trying a hypoallergenic diet in case the dog's hyperactivity is due to a food intolerance.^{[5]
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Make sure your dog is comfortable. A dog in pain, such as from arthritis, finds it more difficult to relax and may become snappy. If your dog's character changes, such as it goes from being placid to aggressive, schedule a vet checkup in case there is a medical problem that needs addressing.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Putting Your Dog at Ease

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Figure out your dog's likes and dislikes. Your dog may not be able to relax because you are doing things that it dislikes. For example, many dogs dislike having their head petted. This is because the hand comes over the head and eyes, which is a threatening gesture in dog language. If your pet shrinks away or its body stiffens when you go to pet its forehead, then consider that it may not like it.
- Instead, form your hand into a fist and hold it just below the dog's nose level. Let it approach and sniff the hand. If the dog wags its tail, raises its head, pricks its ears forward, or moves closer, these are all good signs you have his permission to pet it.
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Set aside plenty of time. Your dog may sense if you are in a rush to try and calm it down. Instead, work on calming the dog down when you have time to spend with it. A great time to make your dog relax is when you are watching TV in the evening. You can gently pet the dog while watching a favorite program.^{[7]
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- Remember that dogs have sensitive hearing, so don't have the volume turned up high.
3
Make sure the dog has a comfortable place to lie. Wherever it is, the dog should have open access to this space but should not be forced onto into it. This might be a blanket on the floor or on the sofa beside you.
- Decide if you have a 'no pets on the furniture' rule or not. Be aware if you invite the dog up onto the coach it will get the message it's OK to jump up, so only choose that option if you don't mind the dog on the furniture.
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Pet your dog. Stroke gently, gliding your hand over its coat, following the direction of the lie of the coat. Do not brush against the lie of the hair or pet roughly, as this is unpleasant and equivalent to having your hair pulled or someone smack your face. Make the movements long and flowing. The dog will appreciate if you use both hands, one following in the trail of the other.
- Be aware that some areas are more ticklish than others, and dogs feel vulnerable when certain areas, such as the belly, are touched. Work with the area the dog presents to you. Thus if it lies on its side, stroke its flank, rather than pushing the dog onto its back. The dog may interpret this as a sign of hostility, since you are forcing it into a submissive posture. However, if the dog voluntarily shows you its belly, then stroke it.
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Get a rhythm going so that the dog can fully relax. If all is going well, try a gentle massage. Use deeper pressure using the palms of your hands and rock them backwards and forwards over the dog's neck, shoulders, and spine. If the dog shows any sign of discomfort, such as growing tense, looking up repeatedly, flicking its head or a leg away, or getting up, then stop.
- Be aware that older animals may have sore joints, especially elbows, so never apply pressure here unless shown how to do so by your vet or vet physiotherapist.
- Don't end a relaxation session abruptly. It may frighten or shock the dog. Instead, let the pup doze peacefully in the full knowledge of a job well done.
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Use pheromones to relax your dog.^{[8]
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Research source} For maximum relaxation, consider plugging in an pheromone diffuser. This gives off soothing dog pheromones (chemical messengers) that give the dog an olfactory message that it is safe and secure, and that it can relax.
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Try alternative relaxation techniques. Another popular relaxation technique if T-Touch or Tellington Touch. This is a massage therapy designed especially for pets. It can be learned at home and involves making repetitive circular movements with the fingertips or palms, over the dog's body. For starters try making small circular movements over the dog' ear flap and cheeks, and as you build confidence and your dog starts to relax, then experiment with other areas such as his shoulders or back.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I help my dog with separation anxiety?

Toni Woods
Professional Dog Trainer
Toni Woods is a Professional Dog Trainer in Washington DC. With over 15 years of experience, Toni specializes in improving the relationship between dogs and their families and easing the suffering of dogs experiencing separation anxiety. Toni holds a BS in Biology from Wittenberg University and taught biology for nine years. She now dedicates her life to helping dogs with separation anxiety.

Toni Woods

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Try to desensitize him to you leaving. You can do this by getting ready to leave the house, stepping out the door for 10 seconds, then immediately returning. Gradually increase the amount of time you leave until your dog no longer feels anxious.
Question

Can food or smells help relax my dog?

Parisfrance555

Community Answer

Yes. The pheromones are a relaxing smell a mother gives her puppies to relax.
Question

Does rubbing my forehead on the top of a dogs head make him feel safer?

Community Answer

It may. Dogs like all types of touch.